New Delhi: In what signals a gradual easing of diplomatic tensions, India has officially invited Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to attend the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit scheduled to take place in New Delhi in February 2026. The high-level meeting is expected to serve as a platform for both nations to resume dialogue on key economic and strategic issues that were put on hold following last year’s diplomatic row.
According to a report by The Globe and Mail, the invitation underscores a renewed effort by both sides to rebuild trust and explore new avenues of cooperation, particularly in technology and trade. The summit, which will bring together global leaders and tech experts, aims to shape collaborative strategies for responsible and inclusive AI development.
A Possible Reset in India–Canada Relations
Diplomatic sources suggest that Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney may hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the summit to discuss the revival of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) — a proposed free trade deal that had been stalled since 2023.
Relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply in September 2023, when then–Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. The allegation led to a diplomatic standoff, with both sides expelling senior envoys and suspending trade negotiations.
However, the atmosphere began to improve earlier this year when Carney, who took office after Trudeau, met Prime Minister Modi during the G7 Summit in Alberta. Since that meeting, officials from both nations have been quietly working to restore normalcy in relations, focusing on areas such as security, technology exchange, and investment.
Focus on Trade and Technology
With global trade dynamics shifting due to ongoing US tariff measures, both India and Canada appear keen to strengthen their economic engagement. Analysts view Carney’s expected participation in the AI Summit as a symbolic yet substantive move toward normalizing ties and emphasizing cooperation over confrontation.
Experts believe the dialogue could also pave the way for collaborative efforts in AI governance, data security, and ethical technology development, aligning with India’s growing leadership role in digital innovation.
If confirmed, Mark Carney’s visit would mark the first visit by a Canadian Prime Minister to India in nearly six years, potentially opening a new chapter in bilateral relations once marked by mistrust and diplomatic friction.
